U.S. patent application number 15/875704 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for mobile device case for wet environments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steven Wang. Invention is credited to Steven Wang.
Application Number | 20180206608 15/875704 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62905330 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180206608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Steven |
July 26, 2018 |
MOBILE DEVICE CASE FOR WET ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
A mobile device case is disclosed. The mobile device case
includes a body portion and a bottom portion. One portion includes
a gasket configured to sealingly contact both the body portion and
the bottom portion. The body portion and the bottom portion include
mating curved surfaces. The gasket is a curved gasket that mates
with the curved surfaces of the body portion and the bottom
portion. The body portion and the bottom portion include a
connection arrangement configured to releasably connect the body
portion to the bottom portion. The connecting arrangement includes
at least a first locking arrangement disposed in part on the first
side of the body portion and the first side of the bottom
portion.
Inventors: |
Wang; Steven; (Windham,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wang; Steven |
Windham |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62905330 |
Appl. No.: |
15/875704 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62448856 |
Jan 20, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/22 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; H04M 1/0264 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101;
G03B 17/14 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; H04B 2001/3894
20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; G03B 17/56 20130101; G03B 17/08
20130101; H04M 1/0202 20130101; H04M 1/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/22 20060101
A45C011/22; H04B 1/3888 20060101 H04B001/3888; H04M 1/02 20060101
H04M001/02; G03B 17/14 20060101 G03B017/14 |
Claims
1. A mobile device case comprising: a body portion a bottom portion
including a gasket configured to sealingly contact both the body
portion and the bottom portion, the body portion and the bottom
portion including a connection arrangement configured to connect at
least a first side of the body portion to a first side of the
bottom portion, the connecting arrangement including at least a
first locking arrangement disposed in part on the first side of the
body portion and the first side of the bottom portion, the locking
arrangement including a clasp configured to hold the top portion
and the bottom portion in a closed configuration.
2. The device case of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a
curved portion and the bottom portion comprises a mating curved
portion.
3. The device case of claim 2, wherein the gasket comprises a
curved gasket.
4. The device case of claim 1, wherein the connection arrangement
comprises a hinge arrangement on a second side of the bottom
portion and a second side of the body portion.
5. The device case of claim 1, wherein the connection arrangement
comprises a second locking arrangement on a second side of the
bottom portion and second side of the body portion.
6. The device case of claim 1, wherein the gasket comprises a
substantially flat gasket.
7. The device case of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body
portion and the bottom portion comprises a polycarbonate.
8. The device case of claim 7, wherein at least one of the body
portion and the bottom portion comprises an
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polycarbonate blend.
9. The device case of claim 1, wherein the curved gasket is
configured to fluidly seal the top portion and the bottom
portion.
10. The device case of claim 9, wherein the connection arrangement
in combination with the body portion, the bottom portion and the
curved gasket are configured to maintain a watertight seal to a
depth of at least 2 meters.
11. The device case of claim 9, wherein the connection arrangement
in combination with the body portion, the bottom portion and the
curved gasket are configured to maintain a watertight seal to at
least a depth of 30 meters.
12. The device case of claim 1, wherein the body portion further
comprises at least one button that is configured to movably
protrude into the body portion.
13. The device case of claim 12, wherein the button further
comprises a biasing member, which biases a position of the button
between a rest position and an actuated position.
14. The device claim case of claim 13, wherein the biasing member
is a spring.
15. The device case of claim 12, wherein the button comprises a
compliant cover.
16. The device case of claim 1, wherein the first locking
arrangement is configured to lock the clasp in a closed
position.
17. The device case of claim 1, further comprising a flange
disposed on a side of the device case.
18. The device case of claim 1, further comprising a lens mount on
the body portion.
19. The device case of claim 17, further comprising a removable
optical lens configured to be removably attachable to the lens
mount.
20. The device case of claim 4, wherein the first locking
arrangement and the hinge provide for the bottom portion to be
removably attached to the body portion.
21. The device case of claim 5, wherein the first locking
arrangement and the second locking arrangement provide for the
bottom portion to be removably attached to the body portion.
22. The device case of claim 1, further comprising a bracket,
wherein the bracket is sized and configured to securely hold the
mobile device.
23. The device case of claim 22, wherein the bracket is sized and
configured to position a screen of a mobile device disposed in the
body portion adjacent an inner surface of a film layer in the body
portion.
24. The device case of claim 23, wherein the film layer is a thin
film layer that is configured to allow a user to interact with a
mobile device through the thin film layer.
25. The device case of claim 23, wherein the film layer is a thick
film layer that is configured to use the mobile device case to up
to 30 meters.
26. The device case of claim 23, wherein the bracket is configured
with rods and the bottom portion of the device case is configured
with mating holders, so that the bracket is removably connectable
and disconnectable from the bottom portion.
27. A method of operating a mobile device, the method comprising:
disposing a mobile device in the bracket of the device case of
claim 23; and operating the device through the film layer of the
body portion of the device case.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing the device
case with at least one button that is arranged to be aligned with a
volume button of the mobile device and that is configured to
movably protrude into the body portion, the button further
comprises a biasing member that biases a position of the button
between a rest position and an actuated position, and actuating the
button of the device case to actuate a volume button of the mobile
device.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising closing the device
case to form a water tight mobile device case, wherein the closing
the device case comprises positioning the bottom portion in a
closed position with respect to the body portion and positioning
the clasp of at least the first locking assembly in a closed
position.
30. The method of claim 29, further comprising submerging the
closed mobile device case underwater and operating the mobile
device.
31. A system comprising: The mobile device case of claim 1; and a
mobile device.
32. A mobile device case comprising: a body portion having a curved
portion; a bottom portion having a mating curved portion and
further including a curved gasket configured to sealingly contact
the curved portion of the body portion and the curved portion of
the bottom portion, the body portion and the bottom portion
including at least in part a first locking arrangement disposed in
part of a first side of the body portion and a first side of the
curved bottom portion and configured to connect a first side of the
body portion to a first side of the bottom portion; and the body
portion and the curved bottom portion including second locking
arrangement disposed in part on a second side of the body portion
and a second side of the curved bottom portion, the second locking
arrangement including a clasp configured to hold the top portion
and the bottom portion in a closed configuration.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to
co-pending U.S. provisional application No. 62/448,856, filed Jan.
20, 2017, titled "MOBILE DEVICE CASE FOR WET ENVIRONMENTS," the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
(1) Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to a case for a mobile device
suitable for use in a wet environment or underwater or for
additional protection from dust, debris, spills and other
elements.
(2) Description of the Related Art
[0003] There is an ever-increasing prevalence of mobile devices
being used in many activities. A growing variety of mobile devices
include cameras. It would be desirable to use such mobile devices
in wet environments or underwater. However many such devices are
not compatible with water, and must be kept dry, or are unable to
resist water below a certain depth. Therefore there remains a need
for products which allow the use of mobile devices in wet
environments or underwater.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a mobile device
case comprising a body portion and a bottom portion including a
gasket configured to sealingly contact both the body portion and
the bottom portion. The body portion and the bottom portion include
a connection arrangement configured to connect at least a first
side of the body portion to a first side of the bottom portion. The
connecting arrangement includes at least a first locking
arrangement disposed in part on the first side of the body portion
and the first side of the bottom portion. The locking arrangement
includes a clasp configured to hold the top portion and the bottom
portion in a closed configuration.
[0005] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a mobile device
case comprising a body portion and a bottom portion including a
gasket configured to sealingly contact the body portion and the
bottom portion. The body portion and the bottom portion can include
a hinge arrangement configured to hingedly connect a first side of
the body portion to a first side of the bottom portion. The body
portion and the bottom portion can include a locking arrangement
disposed on a second side of the body portion, the locking
arrangement including a clasp configured to hold the top portion
and the bottom portion in a closed configuration. Alternatively, in
some embodiments, the body portion can include a locking
arrangement on both sides (no hinge) that is configured to mate and
connect with a portion of the arrangement on both sides of the
bottom portion.
[0006] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a mobile device
case comprising a body portion and a curved bottom portion
including a curved gasket configured to sealingly contact the body
portion and the bottom portion. The body portion and the curved
bottom portion can include a hinge arrangement configured to
hingedly connect a first side of the body portion to a first side
of the curved bottom portion. The body portion and the curved
bottom portion can include a locking arrangement disposed on a
second side of the body portion, the locking arrangement including
a clasp configured to hold the top portion and the bottom portion
in a closed configuration. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the
body portion can include a locking arrangement on both sides (no
hinge) that is configured to mate and connect with a portion of the
arrangement on both sides of the bottom portion.
[0007] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a mobile device
case comprising a body portion having a curved portion and a bottom
portion having a mating curved portion and further including a
curved gasket configured to sealingly contact the curved portion of
the body portion and the curved portion of the bottom portion. The
body portion and the bottom portion including at least a first
locking arrangement disposed in part on a first side of the body
portion and a first side of the curved bottom portion and
configured hold a first side of the body portion and a first side
of the bottom portion in a closed configuration. The body portion
and the curved bottom portion including second locking arrangement
disposed in part on a second side of the body portion and a second
side of the curved bottom portion, the second locking arrangement
including a clasp configured to hold the top portion and the bottom
portion in a closed configuration.
[0008] Any of the embodiments can also be provided with a mobile
device.
[0009] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the body
portion includes a curved portion and the bottom portion comprises
a mating curved portion. Aspects of at least one embodiment include
that the gasket is a curved gasket.
[0010] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the
connection arrangement comprises a hinge arrangement on a second
side of the bottom portion and a second side of the body portion.
Aspects of this embodiment include that the first locking
arrangement and the hinge provide for the bottom portion to be
removably attached to the body portion.
[0011] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the
connection arrangement comprises a second locking arrangement on a
second side of the bottom portion and second side of the body
portion. Aspects of this embodiment include that the first locking
arrangement and the second locking arrangement provide for the
bottom portion to be removably attached to the body portion.
[0012] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the gasket
comprises a substantially flat gasket.
[0013] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that at least one
of the body portion and the bottom portion comprises a
polycarbonate.
[0014] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the at least
one of the body portion and the bottom portion comprises an
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polycarbonate blend.
[0015] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the gasket
is a curved gasket configured to fluidly seal the top portion and
the bottom portion and that the connection arrangement in
combination with the body portion, the bottom portion and the
curved gasket are configured to maintain a watertight seal to a
depth of at least 2 meters.
[0016] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the gasket
is a curved gasket configured to fluidly seal the top portion and
the bottom portion and that the connection arrangement in
combination with the body portion, the bottom portion and the
curved gasket are configured to maintain a watertight seal to at
least a depth of 30 meters.
[0017] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the body
portion further comprises at least one button that is configured to
movably protrude into the body portion. Aspects of this embodiment
include that the button further comprises a biasing member, which
biases a position of the button between a rest position and an
actuated position. Aspects of this embodiment includes that the
biasing member is a spring. Aspects of this embodiment include that
the button comprises a compliant cover.
[0018] Aspects of at least one embodiment include that the first
locking arrangement is configured to lock the clasp in a closed
position.
[0019] Aspects of at least one embodiment include a flange disposed
on a side of the device case.
[0020] Aspects of at least one embodiment include a lens mount on
the body portion. Aspects of this embodiment include a removable
optical lens configured to be removably attachable to the lens
mount.
[0021] Aspects of this embodiment include that the first locking
arrangement and the second locking arrangement provide for the
bottom portion to be removably attached to the body portion.
[0022] Aspects of at least one embodiment include a bracket sized
and configured to securely hold the mobile device. Aspect of this
embodiment include that the bracket is sized and configured to
position a screen of a mobile device disposed in the body portion
adjacent an inner surface of a film layer in the body portion.
Aspects of this embodiment include that the film layer is a thin
film layer that is configured to allow a user to interact with a
mobile device through the thin film layer. Aspects of this
embodiment include that the film layer is a thick film layer that
is configured to use the mobile device case to up to 30 meters.
Aspects of this embodiment include that the bracket is configured
with rods and the bottom portion of the device case is configured
with mating holders, so that the bracket is removably connectable
and disconnectable from the bottom portion.
[0023] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a method of
operating a mobile device with any of the disclosed embodiments of
the mobile device case, the method comprising disposing a mobile
device in a bracket of the mobile device case and operating the
device through a film layer of the body portion of the mobile
device case.
[0024] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a method of
operating a mobile device with any of the disclosed embodiments of
the mobile device case, the method comprising providing the device
case with at least one button that is arranged to be aligned with a
volume button of the mobile device and that is configured to
movably protrude into the body portion, the button further
comprises a biasing member that biases a position of the button
between a rest position and an actuated position, and actuating the
button of the device case to actuate a volume button of the mobile
device.
[0025] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a method of
operating a mobile device with any of the disclosed embodiments of
the mobile device case, the method comprising closing the device
case to form a water tight mobile device case, wherein the closing
the device case comprises positioning the bottom portion in a
closed position with respect to the body portion and positioning
the clasp of at least the first locking assembly in a closed
position.
[0026] Disclosed are aspects of an embodiment of a method of
operating a mobile device with any of the disclosed embodiments of
the mobile device case, the method comprising submerging the closed
mobile device case including a mobile device underwater and
operating the mobile device.
[0027] With any of these arrangements of a mobile device case,
mobile devices can be used in wet environments or underwater and
the mobile device case can also provide protection from dust,
debris, spills, and from the mobile device coming into contact with
any harsh elements
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The above and other aspects, advantages and features of this
disclosure will become more apparent by describing in further
detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
device case in a closed configuration;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
device case in a partially open configuration;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device
case in a fully open configuration;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a left side view of an embodiment of the device
case in a closed configuration;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device case in a closed
configuration;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of parts of a device case in an
open configuration and illustrating mobile device insertion into a
bracket and the device case;
[0035] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a main body portion, a
touch film layer, and a cover frame that comprise a body portion of
the mobile device case;
[0036] FIG. 7B is a front view showing a body portion of the mobile
device case;
[0037] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view along line 7C-7C of FIG.
7B showing an aspect of how that the main body portion, the thin
film touch layer, and the cover frame that comprise a body portion
of the mobile device case are joined together-;
[0038] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view along line 7C-7C of FIG.
7B showing a thicker film touch layer;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
device case in a closed configuration;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the
device case of FIG. 8 in an open configuration; and
[0041] FIG. 10A-B illustrate a perspective view of the bottom
portion of one embodiment of the device case having a bracket or
tray that is removably attachable to the bottom portion of the
device case in both the connected and disconnected
arrangements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Mobile devices often include sensors, touch-sensitive
screens, and other electronic components that are sensitive to
damage from their environment, such as from liquids such as water
coming in contact with the mobile device. Disclosed is a mobile
device case that allows use of a mobile device in a wet or
underwater or otherwise incompatible environment that provides
protection from dust, debris, spills, and from the mobile device
coming into contact with elements without damage to the device. In
an embodiment, a device may be placed inside a cavity of a body
portion of mobile device case and a bottom cover portion of the
mobile device case is closed in sealing engagement with the body
portion form a water-tight seal, thereby allowing for use of the
device in a wet or harsh environment and/or protection from dust,
debris, spills and other elements without damage to a mobile
device. This is beneficial because the case protects the device
from everyday elements such as spills and mishaps, and further
allows for use of the device underwater, e.g., to take photographs
or videos underwater.
[0043] Disclosed is a mobile device case comprising a body portion
and a bottom portion, wherein at least one of the body portion and
the bottom portion comprises a sealing gasket configured to
sealingly contact the body portion and the bottom portion, a
connection arrangement to attach the bottom portion to the body
portion, and a lock comprising a clasp, which is configured to
secure the bottom portion to the body portion in a closed
configuration to fluidly seal the mobile device case so that it can
be used underwater and protect it from every day elements. In some
embodiments, the connection arrangement can include a hinge. In
other embodiments, the connection arrangement includes a locking
arrangement.
[0044] An embodiment of the device case is shown in the various
views of FIGS. 1 to 5. The device case 100 includes a top portion
101 and a bottom portion 102 for containing a mobile device in a
cavity provided by the top and bottom portions. A lock 106 is
provided on at least one of the body portion 101 and the bottom
portion 102 to secure the bottom portion 102 to the body portion
101 in a closed configuration. The lock 106 has an open
configuration (See FIGS. 2-3) and a closed configuration (See FIG.
1). The lock 106 includes a clasp 107 that is movable between a
latched position (closed configuration of the lock) and an
unlatched position (open position of the lock). In the closed
configuration of the lock 106, the clasp 107 is in a closed
position and secures the bottom portion 102 to the body portion
106. Referring to FIG. 1, the lock can be opened by a user by first
disengaging the clasp 107 by moving a tab 109 upward to the open
position to unlatch the clasp, before moving the clasp to an open
position (See FIG. 2).
[0045] In one embodiment, a hinge 108 having portions on at least
one side of the body portion 101 and a side of the bottom portion
102 hingedly connects the body portion 101 and the bottom portion
102 to allowed for hinged opening and closing of the bottom portion
(See FIG. 2) with respect to the body portion 101. As shown in FIG.
3, a portion of the hinge on the bottom portion 102 can also be
disengaged from a portion of the hinge on the body portion 101, so
that the bottom portion 102 can also be completely removed from
engagement with body portion with the clasp 107 and the lock 106 in
the open configuration. It is appreciated that although a hinge
arrangement is illustrated in at least one embodiment of the mobile
device case, the hinge could also be replaced with alternate
connecting structures such as, for example, a pivot or any other
connecting structure used in the art. In an embodiment, the lock
106 is disposed at least in part on one side of the body portion
and one side of the bottom portion opposite the hinge arrangement
108, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Thus, the bottom portion 102 can be
attached via a combination of a hinge arrangement 108 and the lock
106. The bottom portion 102 can also be completely removable.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, there are two
locking arrangements connecting the bottom portion 102 to the top
portion 101 (with no hinge arrangement). As shown in FIG. 9, the
bottom portion 102 can be disengaged from the body portion 101 at
both locking arrangements 106a, 106b, so that the bottom portion
102 can also be completely removed from engagement with body
portion with the clasps 107a, 107b in the open position, so that
the locks 106a, 106b are in the open configuration. In this
embodiment, lock 106a is disposed at least in part on one side of
the body portion and one side of the bottom portion, and lock 106b
is disposed on the opposite side of the body portion and bottom
portion. Thus, the bottom portion 102 can be attached via a
combination of two locking arrangements 106a, 106b. The bottom
portion 102 can also be completely removable.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the mobile device case also includes
a curved gasket or seal 110 located in the bottom portion 102. The
curved gasket or seal provides a fluid tight seal between the
bottom portion 102 and the body portion 101. The curved gasket,
coupled with the lock 106 and the hinge 108 (the locking system) or
two locks 106a, 106b (no hinge) in combination provide for the
curved gasket to put pressure on all areas of the gasket to provide
a fluid tight seal between the body portion 102 and the bottom
portion with the lock 106 in the closed position. An advantage of
the locking system and the curved gasket is that the pressure
created by the locking system is distributed over the entire curved
gasket 110, not just a portion of the gasket 110. Another advantage
of the curved gasket or seal 110 of the case of this disclosure is
the small size of the seal and the small area that needs to be
sealed. Referring to FIG. 3, it is appreciated that although the
curved gasket 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as curved to align
with the curved shape of the bottom portion 101, the gasket 110'
(See FIG. 3) can also be generally planar (flat) so long as the
body portion 101 and the bottom portion 102 have a generally planar
interface where they meet to accommodate a planar gasket. Such a
gasket will still have at least some of the advantages noted
above.
[0048] The curved gasket 110 or the planar gasket 110' provides an
advantage over other seals that are typically provided in other
mobile device cases, such as a case that has a bottom half and a
top half and that is hinged to open in a clam shell like manner.
With such an arrangement, a gasket must be placed around an entire
periphery of one half of the case along either the top section or
bottom section of the case to create a seal between the top section
and the bottom section of the case. A problem with such an
arrangement is the need to create and distribute a sealing pressure
evenly and strong enough at all points of the two halves of the
case to create a tight seal between the top half and the bottom
half of the case so that the case can be used in wet environments.
It is appreciated that if the pressure is not consistent around the
entire periphery of the case, than the seal will be weak (will only
be as good as its weakest point). As can be appreciated, forcing
pressure on one area of the phone case does not create a better
seal on another section of the phone case.
[0049] According to aspects of the mobile device case of this
disclosure, the gasket is configured to provide a watertight seal
The gasket may be configured to maintain a watertight seal between
the body portion 101 and bottom portion 102 over a range from any
of a depth of 0 meters (i.e., splash protection) to a depth of 30
meters, a depth of 0.001 meter to a depth of 25 meters, a depth of
0.01 meter to a depth of 20 meters, a depth of about 0.1 meter to a
depth of 15 meters, or a depth of about 0.5 meter to a depth of
about 5 meters, when the device case 100 is in a closed
configuration. In an embodiment, the gasket maintains a watertight
seal between the body portion 101 and the bottom portion 102 to a
depth of at least 30 meters when the device case is in a closed
configuration.
[0050] The gasket 110, 110' may comprise any suitable material, and
in an embodiment comprises a compliant or elastomeric material.
Suitable materials for the gasket effectively prevent moisture,
water, or other liquids from reaching the inner cavity of the
device case when the device case is in a closed configuration.
Representative materials for the gasket include a silicone, a
nitrile, nitrile butadiene, a polyacrylate acrylic rubber, a
flouroelastomer, a polyurethane, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a
polypropylene-ethylene propylene dienene monomer, a butadiene, a
styrene butadiene, a chlorosulfonate, a neoprene, butyl rubber,
ethylene propylene, an ethylene propylene dienene monomer rubber
(EPDM), a polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene, or combination
thereof. Silicone, or SANTOPRENE available from Exxon Mobil, and
Milastomer available from Mitsu Chemicals, which are also referred
to as thermoplastic vulcanizates, are mentioned.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the mobile device case can also
include a bracket 112. The bracket 112 is useful for creating a
snug fit of a mobile device 114 within the mobile device case 100.
This is achieved with a combination of the body portion having
substantially enough room within the body portion for the mobile
device 114 and for the bracket 112. The bracket 112 is sized and is
configured to snugly hold the mobile device 114 (See FIG. 6). Thus,
by placing the mobile device 114 in the bracket 112 and sliding the
combination of the mobile device 114 and the bracket 112 into the
body portion 101, the mobile device 114 is held in place within the
body portion 101 by the bracket 112. In addition, the mobile device
is snugly secured within the body portion 101 and is raised up at a
higher position with respect to a back surface 116 of the body
portion 101 than it would otherwise be if not for the bracket 112.
The raised height of the mobile device 114 provided by the bracket
provides for a screen of the mobile device to pressed against a
clear film layer 118 of the body portion 101, which enables a user
to interact with the screen of the mobile device 114 through the
clear film layer 118. The bracket 112 is also useful to aid the
user in pushing the mobile device 114 all the way into the body
portion 101. In particular, a bottom portion 120 of the bracket 112
can be grabbed and used to push a combination of the bracket 112
and the mobile device 114 into the body portion 101 so that a top
end of the bracket engages against an inner top portion of the body
portion 101. The bottom portion 120 of the bracket 112 can also be
used by a user to grab and pull the combination of the mobile
device 114 and the bracket 112 out of the body portion 101. Without
the bracket 112, inserting and removing the mobile device would be
more difficult, the mobile device would not fit as snugly within
the mobile device case 100 and a user would not be able to as
easily and consistently interact with the screen of the mobile
device 114 through the clear film layer 118.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-B, there is illustrated an
alternative embodiment of the mobile device case bottom portion 102
and bracket (or tray) 115. This embodiment of the bracket 115 and
bottom portion 102 includes at least one rod 117 (illustrated with
two rods 117) connected to the bracket 115 by flanges 117. The at
least one rod 117 is sized and arranged to mate with at least one
holder 119 connected to the bottom portion 102 of the device case
100 so that the bracket 115 can be connected to and disconnected
from the bottom portion 102. FIG. 10A illustrates the bracket 115
connected to the bottom portion 102 with the rods 117 held by the
holders 119. FIG. 10B illustrates the bracket 115 detached from the
bottom portion 102.
[0053] As noted, the bracket 115 is useful for creating a snug fit
of a mobile device 114 within the body portion of 101 of the mobile
device case 100. This is achieved with a combination of the body
portion 101 having substantially enough room within the body
portion for the mobile device 114 and for the bracket 115. The
bracket 115 is sized and is configured to snugly hold the mobile
device 114 (See FIG. 6). By placing the mobile device 114 in the
bracket 115 and sliding the combination of the mobile device 114
and the bracket 115 into the body portion 101, the mobile device
114 is held in place within the body portion 101 by the bracket
115. In addition, the mobile device is snugly secured within the
body portion 101 and is raised up at a higher position with respect
to a back surface 116 of the body portion 101 than it would
otherwise be if not for the bracket 115. The raised height of the
mobile device 114 provided by the bracket provides for a screen of
the mobile device to pressed against a clear film layer 118 of the
body portion 101, which enables a user to interact with the screen
of the mobile device 114 through the clear film layer 118. The
bracket 115 connected to the bottom portion 102 of the device case
is also useful to aid the user in pushing the mobile device 114 all
the way into the body portion 101. In particular, with the bracket
115 connected to the bottom portion 102 of the device case, and the
mobile phone inserted into the bracket 115, the bracket 115 and the
phone 114 can be pushed into the body portion 101 so that a top end
of the bracket engages against an inner top portion of the body
portion 101. The bottom portion 102 of the device can also be used
by a user to grab and pull the combination of the mobile device 114
and the bracket 115 out of the body portion 101. Without the
bracket 115, inserting and removing the mobile device 114 would be
more difficult, the mobile device would not fit as snugly within
the body portion 101 of the mobile device case 100 and a user would
not be able to as easily and consistently interact with the screen
of the mobile device 114 through the clear film layer 118.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, the body portion 101 includes
a cover frame 120, a touch film or clear film layer 118 and the
main body 122. The touch screen or plastic clear film 118 allows
users to interact with the touchscreen of the phone or mobile
device 114. Around this plastic clear film 118 is the cover frame
120, which can be, for example, a black plastic border. It can be
seen that the body portion 101 comprises a window 124 disposed in
the main body 122 of body portion 101. Referring to the
cross-section view of FIG. 7C along line 7C-7C of front view of
FIG. 7B, it is illustrated that the touch film 118 can be secured
to main body 122 by a dual adhesive layer 130 placed above and
below a border of the clear touch film layer. Alternatively,
referring to the cross-section view of FIG. 7CD along line 7C-7C of
front view of FIG. 7B, it is illustrated that the film 121 can be
thicker than the thin film 118, which provides for the mobile
device case to be used at even deeper dive depths than the thin
film 118 can be, with the possible tradeoff being that the thicker
film 121 may not provide the same user friendly interactable
interface that the thin film 118 does (user can trade off deeper
dive depths for potentially less ability to interact with the
mobile device through the thicker film 121). The film 121 may be
configured to maintain a watertight seal over a range from a depth
of 0 meters (i.e., splash protection) to a depth of 30 meters. Once
the touch film layer is secured to the main body 122, a sonic weld
joint 132 can be created between the cover frame 120 and the main
body 122 to seal the cover frame to the main body 122 to provide a
watertight seal. Sonic welding of the plastic cover frame and the
main body partially melts together the cover frame and the main
body. This creates an air tight seal between the components that is
resilient to extreme weather conditions and also to physical abuse.
Typically, other phone cases use glue, tight fitting parts, and/or
a rubber gasket to keep the clear plastic film in place. The sonic
welding allows for a solid merging of at least some of the
components of the mobile device case 100 that creates an extremely
reliable sonic weld joint 132. Thus the combination of a dual
adhesive layer 130 and the sonic weld joint 132 provide for a
watertight seal between the cover frame 120, the touch film layer
118, 121 and the main body 122, which together comprise the body
portion 101. It is also appreciated that the sonic weld methodology
of sonic welding may be used to potentially sonic weld all three
parts (the cover frame 120, the touch film 118, 121 and the main
body). With such a methodology, the clear film layer would
partially melt with the cover frame 120 to the main body 122.
[0055] The mobile device case 100 including the body portion 101
and the bottom portion 102 may comprise any suitable material, such
as a metal, a polymeric material, or a combination thereof.
Representative metals include aluminum, magnesium, steel such as
corrosion resistant steel, titanium, or a combination thereof.
Representative polymeric materials include acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, acetal copolymer,
acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride, and combinations thereof. A combination comprising at
least one of the foregoing may be used. An
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polycarbonate blend is specifically
mentioned. In an embodiment, at least one of the body portion 101
and the bottom portion 102 comprises a polycarbonate. In another
embodiment at least one of the body portion 101 and the bottom
portion 102 comprises an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
polycarbonate blend.
[0056] For appearance, and/or to accommodate for the more recent
prevalence of mobile devices having multiple touch screens and/or
visible indicators on multiple surface of the mobile device, in an
embodiment of the mobile device case 100, the body portion 101 and
the bottom portion 102 may comprise a transparent or optically
clear material, for example to allow for viewing of additional
screens or indicators. In such an embodiment, the body portion 101
and/or the bottom portion 102 may comprise a transparent
material.
[0057] The clear film or touch film layer 118, 121 provides for
visual and optional touch access to a display and/or touch screen
of the mobile device 114. The clear film or touch film layer 118,
121 may comprise any suitable material for such use. In one
embodiment, a transparent material is used. In an embodiment, the
clear film 118 is a touch-screen compatible material.
Representative polymeric materials for the touch screen include
polycarbonate, acrylic, or combination thereof. A combination
comprising at least one of the foregoing may be used. In one
embodiment, a Polycarbonate is used. In an embodiment, the window
comprises a touch sensitive plastic which allows for manipulation
of and interaction with a touch-screen of the mobile device while
fully enclosed in the mobile device case. It is also appreciated
that although in one embodiment the touch screen is preferably a
touch sensitive plastic, it can be any material typically used in
the art including but not limited to, for example, a touch
sensitive glass.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, an optical lens 128 is disposed on
the body portion 101 of the device case 100. The optical lens of
the device case may be disposed to be aligned with a camera of the
mobile device. In a representative embodiment, the optical lens 128
is configured to provide a field of view over any of a range of 90
to 180 degrees, 100 to 170 degrees, or 110 to 160 degrees, 165 to
180.degree.. The optical lens may be connected to the device case
100 with a lens mount to permit the use of exchangeable lenses, and
thus the optical lens may be removably attached to body portion
101. In an embodiment, the optical lens may be colored, for example
having a color which is selected to correct for a chromatic
aberration. In an embodiment in which the device case is to be used
underwater, the optical lens may have a color selected to
compensate for the absorption of light in water.
[0059] Further, a flange is optionally disposed on the device case
100, e.g., on a right side of the device case 100, for attaching
and securing the device case to another object, such as a bicycle,
a mount such as a GoPro mount, or a submersible. A plurality of
flanges may be provided. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a device case
comprising a first flange 111 and a second flange 113. A pin may
engage the flange. For example, a pin may threadedly engage an
aperture of the first flange 111 and/or the second flange 113.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, at least one button 104, which is
configured to actuate a contact of a mobile device 114 in the
device case 100, is provided in the body portion 101. The button
104 is configured to sealingly extend or movably protrude into the
body portion 101 when contacted to actuate a contact of a mobile
device 114 disposed within the case 100. An embodiment in which 2
buttons 104, 105 are provided is specifically illustrated. As shown
in FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment the mobile device case 100 comprises a
first button 104 and a second button 105. Each button comprises a
biasing member, e.g., a spring to bias the button between a rest
position and an actuated position. Each button may further comprise
at least one of a compliant cover, a plunger, a sleeve, and a
seal.
[0061] In an embodiment in which the buttons align with volume
buttons of the mobile device 114, actuating the buttons 104, 105
from a rest position to an actuated position causes a plunger of
the button to contact the volume button. In an embodiment in which
the devices is programmed so that the volume button controls a
feature of the mobile device, such as the camera, depressing the
button can result in actuation of the camera. In another
embodiment, the device may be program so that the first volume
button 104 scrolls through various features, and the second volume
button 105 selects the feature. Accordingly, depressing a first
button is aligned with the first volume button allows a user to
select a feature when in a wet or harsh environment, and depressing
the second button causes selection of the selected feature, such as
actuating the camera for starting and stopping the camera for
videography.
[0062] The material of the compliant cover and the seal may be
independently selected, and each independently may comprise a
silicone, a nitrile, nitrile butadiene, a polyacrylate acrylic
rubber, a flouroelastomer, a polyurethane, a polyethylene, a
polypropylene, a polypropylene-ethylene propylene dienene monomer,
a butadiene, a styrene butadiene, a chlorosulfonate, a neoprene,
butyl rubber, ethylene propylene, an ethylene propylene dienene
monomer rubber (EPDM), a polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene,
or combination thereof. The button may be configured to maintain a
watertight seal over a range from a depth of 0 meters (i.e., splash
protection) to a depth of 30 meters, a depth of 0.001 meter to a
depth of 25 meters, a depth of 0.01 meter to a depth of 20 meters,
a depth of about 0.1 meter to a depth of 15 meters, or a depth of
about 0.5 meter to a depth of about 5 meters. In an embodiment, the
button maintains a watertight seal to a depth of at least 30
meters, or to a depth of 2 meters.
Injection molding has been used to produce silicon and hard plastic
phone cases. Dual injection molding has also been used for mobile
device cases that have a hard plastic and a softer material
combined in one case. Silicone phone cases can be produced by
pressing into a mold or using injection molding Thus, it is typical
for a mobile device case product to be produced by tools that
inject a plastic into a mold where it's pressed into shape. What is
produced are typically top half and bottom half pieces that can be
attached by a combination of glue, rubber, clamps, and/or hinges.
As has been noted herein, this can create problems in sealing the
two halves together with a seal that must be placed around an
entire periphery of the halves of the case, due to need to apply
pressure around the entire periphery to keep a tight seal.
[0063] Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the
mobile phone case 100. A tool insert method is disclosed. According
to the one embodiment, a tool insert method is used where a first
tool is provided and the mobile device case to be manufactured is
formed around the first tool. The tool insert method includes two
additional tools that are pressed together creating a cavity having
an outer shape of the mobile device case within the cavity formed
between the two additional tools. The first tool that fits within
the cavity or expands to fit within the cavity is placed between
the two additional tools. A material is injected between and around
the tools to create the portions of the mobile device case 100.
[0064] For the disclosed embodiment of the mobile device case, the
body portion 101 can be manufactured using this method as a single
piece and the bottom portion can be manufactured using this method
as a single piece. In particular, a first tool is moved, for
example 4-6 inches into a mold between the additional tools, and a
single piece body portion is extruded from plastic that quickly
cures. The single body portion 101 is produced by a machine that
injects the plastic into the mold around the tool instead of being
pressed into a mold. It is appreciated that using this
manufacturing method provides for the mobile device case to be
manufactured with a smaller sealing area and thus a smaller sealing
gasket (110) area and thus a smaller area where the gasket (110)
seal could malfunction. The only areas of the body portion that are
open are the front section 124 where one would typically interact
with the touch screen, a section near where a charging cable would
connect to the mobile device, openings to accommodate the button
assemblies 104, 105, and optionally a section where an
interchangeable lens may be mounted to the case Although, this tool
insertion extruding method is not new, it has not been used to
manufacture mobile device cases. The process can be quite expensive
and complicated. Thus, a person in the phone case industry would
not normally use this methodology due to the overhead costs for
this process.
[0065] Accordingly, it is appreciated that some or all of the parts
could be manufactured using other manufacturing methods. For
example, the bottom portion 102 can instead of being manufactured
using the tool insert method, it can instead be made using other
methods such as, for example, mold injection or dual mold
injection. Mold injection can be used to manufacture the bottom
portion 102 and the gasket 110 could then be placed inside a
crevice in the bottom portion 102. Alternatively, dual mold
injection could be used to manufacture the bottom portion 102 and
the gasket 110 can be directly molded into place using the dual
mold injection method.
[0066] Also disclosed is a method of operating a device, the method
comprising disposing a mobile device 114 in the device case 100.
The disposing may comprise placing the device in the case, closing
the case so that the body portion 101 and the bottom portion 102
contact and the gasket 110 forms a watertight seal, and securing
the case in the closed configuration with the clasp 107 of a lock
arrangement 106. The locking arrangement can be either one lock on
one side or the device case or two locking arrangements 106a, 106b
on two sides of the device case. Because the case is waterproof,
once closed it may be submerged in water without damage to the
device.
[0067] In this disclosure some but not all embodiments of this
disclosure are described. The mobile device case of this disclosure
may be embodied in many different forms, shapes and sizes and is
not to be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the
art. For example, the mobile device case can be provided either
with or without an interchangeable lens and lens mount. In
addition, the mobile device case be sized and arranged to
accommodate different manufacturer phones such Apple, Samsung, etc.
and different models such as, for example, an Apple iPhone 7S or an
iPhone 7s plus.
[0068] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another
element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0069] It will be understood that, although the terms "first,"
"second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not
be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer, or section from another
element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, "a first
element," "component," "region," "layer," or "section" discussed
below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings herein.
[0070] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to
include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
"comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes" and/or "including"
when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations,
elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0071] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease
of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0073] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present claims.
* * * * *